imported_Mikeye

Hey.
Just wondering what spring rates represent? Higher the # the better?

Thx.

DumbasSi

Basically, Spring Rate is the amount of weight needed to compress a spring. Springs are rated in lb/in (or in metric kg/mm), or specifically, how many pounds of weight are required to depress the spring by one inch.

Springs that have a low spring rate are soft, while springs that have a high spring rate are stiffer.

Springs are also linear or progressive. Linear meaning they have consistant spring rates and progressive meaning as they compress they get stiffer. Or something like that.

StewPiddass

Dumbas got it right, it's measured in pounds required to compress the spring by one inch. I personally have 400lb/in eibach linear springs in the front of my car and 500lb/in eibach linear springs in the rear. A linear spring remains the same rate through it's entire compression and a progressive spring is softer at the start and gets stiffer as it compresses more (you can tell as these springs sometimes look conical or the wire is wound looser at the ends).

Stiffer isn't necessarily better though, if your car is too stiff your susp can't absorb the bumps and will just skip along, causing a loss of traction. I know a few guys that run pretty high rates for competition (600fr and 1000rr) but for a street driven Civic I'd recommend something below 400lbs.

B16A_2

I am running 340F 400R, still okay for street just stay away from downtown.

imported_Mikeye

cool thx.

imported_GoldBadge

So for springs that are rated 8k front and 6k rear (like Omni Power) what does they translate into?

Mikeye,

I don't know if you've seen this

http://www.torontocivics.com/tccforu...threadid=47340

1c6_eh6_t-si

translates into stiff.. but still streetable.

Younes Si

how do you know how much weight you got on yours?

not that I have aftermarket springs

imported_trackhack

8kg/mm = 450 lb/in
6kg/mm = 337lb/in

imported_GoldBadge

So if the Omni Power streets are 10k fr and 8k rr they are equivalent to the ride of alowering spring with 562.5 fr and 450 rr....interesting. That sounds way too stiff.

imported_trackhack

Depends on the weight of the car your putting the suspension under. It also depends on how progressive the spring is over the suspension travel it has available.

Essentially, given equal spring rates: The longer the suspension travel available, the smoother the ride quality.

imported_GoldBadge

So many damn variables...suspension is tricky.

imported_Marsh

It also depends on the geometry of the suspension. On a WRX a 300 lb spring is considered insanely stiff. On an Accord or Prelude the same spring is near stock.

Also stiffer springs are only to avoid bottoming and body roll. Stiffer springs generate more lateral weight transfer and increasing lateral weight transfer will reduce total grip. So you only want the minimum spring you can get away with, without bottoming out, or getting too much negative camber when cornering. That's why we use sway bars. The reduce body roll allowing you to run softer springs.

droppedatbirth

What do you think about these spring rates on the Yonaka? Is it streetable?

Spring rates are as follows:
Front springs: 12kg / 180mm
Rear springs: 6kg / 200mm


They're going for about $750.

Also, if anyone has these full coilovers I'd appreciate some feedback.